Cutting through the Chaos

‘Cutting Through the Chaos’ of Tokyo with NIKKOR All Round Zoom Lenses

From its neon-drenched nightlife to the unique balance between tradition and modernity, via stunning urban scenery, Tokyo is a haven for travel photographers.

It’s also the world’s biggest city and the birthplace of Nikon, so Nikon challenged Polish travel photographer Lukasz Palka to capture the city’s true essence – to ‘cut through the chaos’ to focus on the elements that make Tokyo so special.

See how NIKKOR all round zoom lenses enabled Lukasz to isolate moments in a hectic environment and capture striking shots depicting specific details amid the chaos of Japan’s capital.

A ‘cyberpunk’-esque Shinjuku back alley, run-down but vivid and colourful. Image taken by Nikon photographer Lukasz Palka using the D5 and AF-S NIKKOR 24-120mm f/4G ED VR lens.

A juxtaposition of forms captured while waiting for the train. Image taken by Nikon photographer Lukasz Palka using the D5 and AF-S NIKKOR 24-120mm f/4G ED VR lens, using the longest focal length.

A lone workman with a headlamp dropping a rope from a nearby rooftop. Image taken by Nikon photographer Lukasz Palka using the D5 and AF-S NIKKOR 24-120mm f/4G ED VR lens.

A monk in Ginza, framed by hats. Image taken by Nikon photographer Lukasz Palka using the D5 with the AF-S NIKKOR 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR, with the lens used at its maximum extension.

Pink lamps in the back alleys of Shinjuku at the end of the cherry blossom season. Image taken by Nikon photographer Lukasz Palka using the D7500 and the AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-300mm f/3.5-6.3G ED VR lens.

A gentleman dressed in eclectic Tokyo fashion, photographed at a 100mm focal length to compress the lines of the crosswalk beyond the subject and create a splash of colour in a geometric setting. Image taken by Nikon photographer Lukasz Palka using the D5 and AF-S NIKKOR 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR lens.

A monk collecting alms, photographed from a vantage point on the ninth floor of a nearby building. Image taken by Nikon photographer Lukasz Palka using the D500 and AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-300mm f/3.5-6.3G ED VR lens at full-zoom.

Tokyo Tower photographed from the roof of the nearby Mori Tower during the ‘blue hour’. Image taken by Nikon photographer Lukasz Palka using the D5 and AF-S NIKKOR 28-300mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR lens.

A busy chef grilling chicken skewers on charcoal, in Shinjuku. Image taken by Nikon photographer Lukasz Palka using the D5 with the AF-S NIKKOR 24-120mm f/4G ED VR lens, shot at 24mm to make the scene feel expansive yet intimate.

The iconic Tokyo umbrella set against the neon lights of Kabukicho. Image taken by Nikon photographer Lukasz Palka using the D5 and AF-S NIKKOR 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR lens.

A subtle portrayal of a Japanese urban scene, five floors off the street in Ginza. Image taken by Nikon photographer Lukasz Palka using the D500 and AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-300mm f/3.5-6.3G ED VR lens.

The famous Shibuya Crossing; the busiest crossing in the world and the epitome of chaos in the city. Image taken by Nikon photographer Lukasz Palka using the D5 and AF-S NIKKOR 24-120mm f/4G ED VR lens.

Loneliness in the city, captured from seven floors above the Tokyo International Forum’s lobby. Image taken by Nikon photographer Lukasz Palka using the D5 and AF-S NIKKOR 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR lens.

The Tokyo Metro, the embodiment of both chaos and order – trains depart every minute, thousands of people fill the platforms, yet everything runs on schedule. Image taken by Nikon photographer Lukasz Palka using the D5 with the AF-S NIKKOR 24-120mm f/4G ED VR lens.

Commenting on his experience, Lukasz Palka said, “As a travel photographer, I’m looking for robust and versatile equipment that ensures I can capture a range of shots from just one camera body and lens. Tokyo offers a huge variety of potential shots, and each of the four lenses I used on this shoot gave me the scope to cut through the chaos of this incredible city, and isolate the key elements that make it so special. The resulting images reflect my passion; giving people an insight into this iconic metropolis from a different perspective.”

Lukasz shot on the D5, D500 and D7500 and the following NIKKOR all round zoom lenses:

AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-300mm f/3.5-6.3G ED VR: this ultra-compact ‘walkabout’ lens is for those who want to travel light without sacrificing image quality. The Vibration Reduction system ensures the lens delivers clear images, even when shooting handheld at the telephoto end of the range.

AF-S NIKKOR 24-120mm f/4G ED VR: The standard zoom lens for any FX photographer on a budget, it offers versatility and performance even on high resolution cameras. This compact lens has a constant f/4 aperture and versatile 24-120mm focal range, while its Nano Crystal Coat greatly reduces the effects of ghosting and flare.

AF-S NIKKOR 28-300mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR: this high-powered FX zoom lens can transition from wide-angle to telephoto zoom with ease. Ideal if you’re exploring a new city and have room for just one lens in your kitbag.

AF-S NIKKOR 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR: this lens covers a broad focal range that’s ideal for landscape shots. It also features Nikon’s Vibration Reduction system that allows you to shoot at shutter speeds up to four stops slower, for steady images when shooting handheld.